Akin Queen Open Studio: A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community

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On October 12th, we had the pleasure of opening our doors to the community for the Akin Queen East Open Studio, and we couldn't be more grateful to everyone who came and made the event such a success!

A huge thank you to our amazing Akin members for showcasing their work and welcoming visitors with such warmth and enthusiasm. The sense of community was palpable, and it was wonderful to see so many meaningful connections made throughout the day.

We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Nurielle Stern of Lost and Found Gallery and the artists from the 1-800-INF-ERNO exhibition for collaborating with us for the day. They truly added another layer of inspiration and we’re so glad to have shared this special occasion with them.

Lastly, a big thank you to all of our guests! Whether you’re an artist, an art lover, or simply curious about our space, your presence and support mean the world to us. It was fantastic to meet so many new faces, and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future— Until then, enjoy the photos from the Open Studio! 

Image Descriptions: a slideshow of images showing artists and guests at Akin Queen East during the open studio. There are different people who are talking to each other, smiling, and looking around the studios. Artwork and art materials can be seen in the studio space including paintings, sculptures, and textile works. 

List of participating artists: 

As well as the artists featured in the 1-800–INF-ERNO installation at The Lost and Found Gallery: Micki-Lee Smith & Zakriya Bashir-Hill, in collaboration with Diana Lawryshyn, Pratap Mathews, & Yun Young Lee. Also featuring paintings by Diana Lawryshyn.

Thank you! 
Love, Akin 

Meet the 2024 Career Launcher Award Winners in their Akin studios

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Image Description: Headshots of Shannon Sandwell and Meera Dinh. The text “2024 Akin Career Launcher Award Recipients”, the Akin and OCADU logos appear on the left hand side above a pink and blue background.

 

As our 2024 OCADU Career Launcher Award winners settle into their Akin studios, we caught up with them to learn a little more about them, and to see what they are working on. 

The Career Launcher award is a collaboration between OCADU and Akin, which gives two graduating OCAD students $2,000 towards Akin studio membership and $450 for a booking at Akin’s Remote Gallery.  This year's recipients of the award are Meera Dinh, who has moved into Akin Richmond-Bathurst, and Shannon Sandwell, settled into Akin Niagara. 

Shannon Sandwell 

Shannon Sandwell is a Canadian figurative painter based in Toronto. Their work focuses on community and connection intertwined with popular and sub-cultural imagery. Using a collage style of painting Shannon’s work creates narratives that exist out of regular time and space to emphasize platonic intimacy and the human desire to be close with one another.

 

Shannon Sandwell sits on a rolling chair in their studio. They have short blonde hair, tattoos and are wearing a white t-shirt and gray shorts with sandals. Behind them, large bright figurative paintings hang on the wall.

 


“I paint large-scale figurative works with acrylic. Collaging references from life and my communities with references from pop/subcultures to create new moments of connection that exist out of time and space while utilizing scale to defamiliarize these moments of platonic intimacy. The scale and cropping of the images in my paintings disorient the viewer- forcing them to engage and seek the connections within the compositions. This act of seeking allows the viewer to feel connected to the anonymous community before them. The collaging of images will enable me to work in complex compositions, steering away from the monolithic individual. I am searching for ways to bring visual sovereignty and joy to figurative work and seeking out ways in which humans seek connection with one another to survive.”

 

Several paintings of Shannons sit against the wall and hang above.

 

“I have been working on a collection of paintings for an upcoming show! It is smaller than most of my work, but I have enjoyed having the space to work on multiple 4' by 3' canvases simultaneously. The studio space to jump from painting to painting has been very helpful.”

 

Shannon Sandwell sits on a rolling chair in their studio. They have short blonde hair, tattoos and are wearing a white t-shirt and gray shorts with sandals. Behind them, large bright figurative paintings hang on the wall.

 

“I am very neurotic about using a fresh palette. I use only the primaries plus white and mixed while painting. This requires me to constantly reset and start fresh after my palette has gotten wild. Another ritual for my work is documenting community when I find myself in it. Constantly using my phone to take reference photos on the go. I am also asking consent of those in my communities that I end up photographing for paint reference.”

Find more of Shannon’s work here

Meera Dinh 

Meera Dinh is a Vietnamese artist based in Toronto who specializes in oil painting. Her work delves into the complexity of female identity, transforming personal and external experiences into dynamic compositions rich with intimacy, eroticism, and transformation.

She completed her Honours BFA in Drawing and Painting at OCAD University in 2024.

“My work explores the deep connection between the soul and the psychological challenges that come with being in a female body. I’m fascinated by how these forces shape identity and the constant struggle to understand my own nature. My oil paintings focus on capturing that in-between space—the line between the conscious and subconscious mind—by blending personal symbols, memories, and a touch of the erotic.

 

Meera Dinh sits on a chair inside her studio. Meera has long black hair and is wearing blue jeans and a black and brown floral tank top. Beside her is a large easel holding a circular canvas. Behind her are drawings posted to the walls. The large window in her studio looks out to a cityscape. Books rest on the windowsill.

 

I often pull from my subconscious, letting spontaneous ideas and images surface, which I then transform into visual stories. My work involves a lot of introspection as I explore themes like societal expectations, emotional vulnerability, and the absurdities we all face in life. Each painting feels like a moment of confrontation but also liberation, a chance to express emotions I’ve been holding onto.

Stylistically, I love combining figurative realism with surreal elements, allowing me to play with the boundaries between control and chaos. I use oil paints to build layers that reflect the complexity of these ideas. Lately, I’ve been incorporating themes of female identity merging with animal forms to symbolize primal instincts and transformation.

At the core, my art is very personal. It’s a space where I can reveal my own vulnerabilities and challenge societal norms, inviting viewers into an intimate conversation about identity and self-expression.” 

 

Meera Dinh sits on a chair inside her studio. Meera has long black hair and is wearing blue jeans and a black and brown floral tank top. Beside her is a large easel holding a circular canvas. Behind her are drawings posted to the walls. The large window in her studio looks out to a cityscape. Books rest on the windowsill.

 

“Since moving into my Akin Richmond-Bathurst studio, I feel incredibly fortunate to have found such an inspiring space. Located in the heart of Toronto’s most artistic area, the studio is everything I could have hoped for as a painter—housed in a charming brick building with serene views and surrounded by a vibrant community of talented artists. This environment has pushed my practice forward, allowing me to learn from others and grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It feels like the ultimate artist’s dream space, a sanctuary where creativity thrives.

This studio has given me the solid foundation to continue my artistic journey beyond graduation. It’s more than just a workspace; receiving this space has been a life-changing award. It’s given me the confidence that I’m on the right path and reminds me to keep going, no matter the challenges. The opportunity to work here has been a significant turning point, motivating me to push my work further and explore new directions.

I’m currently preparing for a group show at Remote Gallery with Ellie Hsu and Ariadna Mavila de la Rosa. Our exhibition, which will take place either later this year or early next year, explores the theme of female identity merging with animal forms. It’s a deeply personal project for me, and the space has given me the room to fully explore these ideas through oil painting, my primary medium. It has allowed me to experiment with new techniques and materials, bringing these concepts to life in ways I hadn’t imagined.

In addition to the upcoming show, I’ve also been applying for exhibitions and residencies. Thanks to this studio, I can develop new works and expand my portfolio in ways that will sustain my practice for years to come.”

 

Meera Dinh sits on a chair inside her studio. Meera has long black hair and is wearing blue jeans and a black and brown floral tank top. Beside her is a large easel holding a circular canvas. Behind her are drawings posted to the walls. The large window in her studio looks out to a cityscape. Books rest on the windowsill.

 


“My creative process often begins in brief moments of detachment, where I drift away from the present reality. During these times, vivid and symbolic images emerge deep within my subconscious—like seeing myself on a steak plate or catching a distorted reflection of myself in the mud at a TTC subway station. These metaphorical visions communicate with me in ways I don’t fully understand, but I can sense their emotional weight.

When these images surface, I instinctively sketch them in my notebook without overthinking, almost like a child doodling. After this initial sketching, I take photos of myself as a reference for the paintings, using my own body to capture the forms and poses I want to explore further. At this stage, I feel the intensity of the images, though their meaning is still elusive. From there, I move into painting, which allows me to spend long periods with these images, slowly unravelling their deeper significance. Immersing myself in the painting process—often for hours—I engage with the forms I’ve created until their meaning becomes clearer. Along the way, I also research the themes and symbols that arise, drawing from journaling, music, poetry, philosophy, and literature that delve into the space between conscious thought and intuition. Inspiration often strikes when I’m in this liminal space, exploring and observing the images as they evolve. Through this process, my art starts to reveal naked truths I often hide behind the everyday roles and performances of life. In many ways, my art understands me better than I understand myself, and through it, I discover deeper layers of my identity.

Additionally, my cats, Bob and Moxie, are a huge motivation source for me. I always keep their picture in my studio; whenever I feel down or exhausted, looking at them lifts my spirits and reminds me to keep going.” 

Find more of Meera’s work here

Chris Gardiner’s Three Favourite Things about being a member at Akin Niagara!

Akin Niagara
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We took some time to chat with Akin Member Chris Gardiner about our newest West-End location, Akin Niagara. Continue reading below to find out Chris’ three fabourite things about being a member:

1. The enormous potential the outdoor space has. There seems to be room outside for almost anything: outdoor sculpture, plaster casting, working on a large canvas, using smelly solvents, cooking encaustic, spraying, pouring, etc. Safe outdoor use for Acrylic Paint: 1.7 degrees to 37.8 degrees Celsius!

Image Description: Outdoor patio with table and umbrella in the center, bbq in the back left and benches and window to the right.

2. The nearby area. It’s vibrant. There’s always a lot of energy, and things to see. I am also close to art supplies stores, hardware, groceries, etc. 

 

3. Torin the Studio Manager. He's very friendly, and good at bringing us together as a community of artists. He's one of those magnetic personalities that you like to be around. I'm also a big fan of musicians that go through art schools. 

Image Description: Image of the facade of the building that Akin Niagara resides in. It is a 5-storey building red brick on the right side and covered in white concrete on the left side. The photos os taken in spring so there are many green trees. a teal blue graphic border surrounds the photo with graphic pops if pink. The Akin logo live atop the image and the words “Akin Niagara!” sit below.

Chris’s studio at Akin Niagara

Image Description: Chris’s studio at Akin Niagara features a grey chair positioned against the left wall, beneath a thin shelf. The walls to the left and back are adorned with several paintings. 

Chris Gardiner’s two-dimensional work combines elements of Geometric Abstraction, Neo-Dada, and Art Informel. Whether he focuses on a process of drawing that emphasizes spontaneous/gestural qualities of the artistic process; collage that creates unexpected juxtapositions, a sense of irony, or a disruption of the viewers' expectations; or in painting where precise shapes and forms are arranged in deliberate and structured ways. Gardiner’s work challenges viewers to question their assumptions about the nature of art, and invites them to engage with the work in unexpected and thought-provoking ways. In metaphorical terms it’s Free Jazz meets Professional Wrestling.

See more of Chris’s work at www.chrisgardinerart.net and @gardinerartdotnet

Chris’s paintings in his studio at Akin Niagara

Image Description: Several paintings hanging in Chris’s studio made of black, white or red lines.

Chris Gardiner, Bars and Toner 2023, Oil on Canvas, 32"x42"


Image Description: Painting with multiple vertical black and white bars, one small red horizontal bar in the lower right hand corner and several red strokes in the top left hand corner.

Akin Niagara is located at 289 Niagara Street just south of Queen Street West and in close proximity to Trinity Bellwoods Park. Akin Niagara features rooms with large windows which get ambient daylight and an outdoor patio space exclusively for Akin Niagara members’ use.

All memberships include taxes, 24/7 access, wifi, utilities, insurance, shared storage facilities, restroom and kitchen access, communal workspaces, common area cleaning, connection to a community of artists and more!

  • Shared Memberships: $78/month
    • Access to shared working areas and storage

  •  Dedicated Memberships (your own studio):
    • Private and semi-private options
    • Sizes range from 40 sqft at $252 per month to 117 sqft for $551 per month. 

Visit www.akin.art for more info.
Link in Bio to view all currently available studios.

Contact us at info@akincollective.com to book a studio tour!

Every Day I Wake Up and I'm Still in Tokyo: Artist Tam Phan’s new exhibition at the Akin Vitrine Gallery

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We’re excited to introduce a brand new exhibition up in the Akin Vitrine Gallery at 1747 St Clair Ave: ‘Every Day I Wake Up and I'm Still in Tokyo’ by artist Tam Phan!

The exhibition will be up from February 9th - March 9th. The gallery is visible from the street 24/7, if you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to drop by and take a look. In the meantime, read on to find out more about Tam’s work and inspirations! 

Image above: Artist Tam Phan, waring a respirator mask

About the artist: 
Tam Phan is a Vietnamese-Canadian artist based in Toronto who loves working with stained glass. Her practice explores themes of nostalgia, wonder, feeling lost, and identity. Her new installation titled ‘Every Day I Wake Up and I'm Still in Tokyo’ will run from February 9th - March 9th in the Akin Vitrine, and will showcase various stained glass pieces, lite brite toys, and a gifted TTC lightbox. The installation is inspired by her trips to Vietnam and Japan. 

See more work on Tam’s instagram

Tell us about your exhibition!
Tam: “Everyday I Wake Up and I'm Still in Tokyo was inspired by a trip I went on to Japan and Vietnam in 2023. I felt lost on this trip and it impacted how I viewed myself and my identity. Although unsteady, I felt comfortable with my reading and conversational skills in Vietnam, plus I had family there who made me feel mostly at home. But once I got to Japan I felt lost again, and those feelings were amplified by being physically lost in a place where I couldn't understand anything.

I decided to take lots of pictures of the shop and restaurant signs, and three were my inspiration for the stained glass collection I have in the Vitrine Gallery. Each one is colourful, vibrant, and has Kanji in it, but there's a small feeling of sadness when I look at each of them. I manipulated the colours, design and shapes but ultimately kept most of them true to the original.

Thank you to the Toronto Arts Council who generously supported this project.”

 

Image above: Artist Tam Phan is standing beside the Akin Vitrine Gallery and looking at it. In the gallery are many colourful pieces of stained glass artwork incluing a large piece featuring a piece of chocolate cake with red cherries on it in front of an orange and blue background.

 

What was your first medium and what's your favourite tool/material right now? 

Tam: “Just a paper and pencil! I was also obsessed with gel pens.”

Do you have a studio routine? 

Tam: “I am definitely a project-focused artist. My studio mates will not see me for months until I have a new passion project. Then you'll see me in the studio every day, cutting, grinding and foiling like a mad scientist.”

Do you have creative prompts or habits to help you get started? Any self-care tips to share?

Tam: “Just do it! Go to the studio even if you don't have everything ready. I'm always surprised by how inspiring it can be to just give yourself space in the right environment. I also divide my time at the studio with playing badminton, and I find the two (making art, play badminton) inspire and motivate each other in odd ways.”

What are some of the benefits of being in the studio for you? What brought you to Akin?

Tam: “There are so many benefits. Even though every morning is a constant battle to get out of the door, once I'm at the studio I feel my creative side break through. The community, having an alternate space for creativity, and for this specific project, every single one of my studio mates helped me from cutting to design to installation or even just a short pep talk. It was incredible and made me so emotional. Everyone wanted me to succeed. 

I signed up for a space at Akin during the pandemic when I desperately needed a change of scenery and a chance to work with my hands. Being at Akin has changed my worldview in many ways.”

What are you NOT very good at? What do you WANT to be good at? 

Tam: “Not good: meeting deadlines. Want to be good at: meeting deadlines!!”

Akin would like to thank Tam for your lovely exhibition and participation, we love this installation and can’t wait to see what’s coming in the future! 

This project was produced with the support of the City of Toronto through Toronto Arts Council. #poweredbyTAC

 

New Exhibition at Akin Dupont Vitrine Gallery by artist Bernadette Peets

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The Akin Dupont Vitrine Gallery is excited to announce an exhibition of works by Akin Dupont member, Bernadette Peets. Located at 1485 Dupont Street, on the second floor of the building, this miniature gallery offers a unique viewing experience to visitors in the building.

Images above: Colourful multi-media artworks by Bernadette Peets. Each piece 12”x12”. Titles in order from left to right: “Clouds”, “Crane River 4” and “Little Pond”.

About the Exhibition
In this latest exhibition, Peets invites us to explore her series of "small layered landscapes." These pieces are more than representations of physical spaces; they are windows to the emotions and sensations experienced within them. Created initially en plein air, these artworks were later transformed in her studio with the addition of striking neon plexiglass layers.

The result is these colourful pieces with depth that beckon viewers to engage with the art from various angles and perspectives, much like one would naturally experience in a real landscape. The swift, loose execution of these pieces contrasts beautifully with the deliberate layering, creating a dynamic visual experience that is both stimulating and thought-provoking.

 

About the Artist
”In my practise of nearly 30 years, I have been constantly searching for ways to express my thoughts, ideas and feelings sincerely and honestly. I am weary of becoming known for my ‘style’ or recurring themes as this would not reflect who I am as a person. I am constantly growing and evolving and my art reflects this as well.

Over the years I have worked with many tools, materials and methods and I have always tried to match the medium with the subject matter as a way to reinforce and strengthen the work.”

Bernadette’s foundation in drawing and painting, coupled with her extensive experience in theatre design, costume, and prop making, has equipped her with a diverse skill set. This versatility allows her to seamlessly blend various materials and techniques, from sculptural works and installations to multi-layered 2D images.

“There is often a subtle message in my work that invites the viewer to invest some time to look beneath the surface and to involve them in a participatory way.”

Visit www.bernadettepeets.com for more of Bernadette’s creative work.

Image Description: Artist Bernadette Peets in her studio working on a painting. Bernadette is holding a paintbrush up to a large canvas which has a work-in-progress painting in bright orange and blue paint. Image couretsy of www.bernadettepeets.com

 

About the Gallery
The Akin Dupont Vitrine Gallery is a space dedicated to showcasing the diverse talents of Akin Dupont studio members. It's a small window gallery that faces the hallway, offering a novel and accessible way for the public to engage with art. Nestled beside Ink & Water Tattoo, and just down the hall from Franz Kaka Gallery. The building is open to the public from 8am-8pm.

Akin 15th Anniversary celebration: Former Akin Members, Where Are They Now?

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Clockwise from top left: Stephanie Avery, Natalie Waddell, Michael Vickers, Miles Tsang and Shanna Van Maurik and the Akin log with the words “Former Members Highlight!”

 

Akin studios have played a part in the creative journeys of hundreds of artists in Toronto. For fifteen years, makers across the creative spectrum have gathered in Akin studios to work alongside one another, to use these spaces to grow and nourish and grow their practices.  

As Akin’s 15th Anniversary celebrations continue, we reached out to some of Akin’s former members, artists who have once called Akin Studios their home, to see what they’re up to now, and to hear how Akin Studios influenced their creative journeys.

Stephanie Avery

Former Akin Studios: Akin Studio Program at Auto BLDG (formerly “The Akin Studio Program at MOCA" and  Akin Ossington 

Stephanie Avery’s CV is packed with murals and exhibitions and creative projects internationally, Find more of Stephanie’s work through her website www.stephanieavery.com and instagram @stephvonawesome

“I am a Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist who explores and subverts our collective relationships to public space. Even though I went to school for art and have never stopped practicing, being at Akin MOCA was the first time I fully dedicated myself to my art and considered it as a viable full-time job. Now, five years later, I'm a full-time artist.”

 

Steph Avery lays across a white workbench inside the light therapy room inside the Museum of Contemporary Art. Steph wears a white coat, red print tights and blue printed socks. Beyond the bench is a white table with a laptop open, in a room with white walls and windows.

 

“I was with the first group of artists at Akin MOCA, when it was a one year studio residency, and we really bonded as a group. It's hard to choose just one memory because we made so many. But I'm going with the light therapy room. The winter we were there, MOCA had a light therapy room installed on the same floor as our studio, so we had access to it at any time. All through the season, after gallery hours, we would gather there to relax, converse, goof around and soak up as much light as we could.”

Miles Tsang

Former Member at: Akin Ossington 

Miles Tsang illustrates for major clients in the music industry such as Metallica, Dave Matthews Band, and the Avett Brothers Find more work on Miles’ website www.milestsang.com and instagram @milestsang

 “I currently operate out of a shared office studio where I produce intricate commercial illustrations for screen printing applications, mostly in the music industry. Recently I've begun to prioritize personal work and intend to create a curated body of it for release sometime in the future.”

 

Miles Tsang stands in his studio, working at a silkscreen press. He is wearing a gray shirt and black pants, and wears a black mask. The studio is filled with shelves and drying racks. 

 

“I have many pleasant memories that all blend together consisting of long nights cleaning, setting up and printing large runs of posters. It’s hard to be specific as I often lost myself in the process and basically loved the entirety of my time there.”

Michael Vickers

Former Member at: Akin Dufferin, and  Lansdowne. Former Akin Staff member serving as Studio Manager, and then Co-Director for Akin Projects.

Michael Vickers, the former co-director of Akin, has continued on with a fantastic career both as an artist, and with the Brampton Arts Organization. Find more of Michael’s work on his website www.michaelvickers.org and on instagram @michaeljohnvickers

An image taken from a high angle of Michael Vickers and Oliver Pauk in the Akin Dufferin Studio in 2017. Michael, on the left, wears a black jacket, black pants and brown boots, he has brown hair. Oliver Pauk wears a checkered shirt, grey pants and a green toque. Around them are the work tables and white  divider walls which separate each studio, which are filled with art supplies. One person in the background sits at one of the desks with a laptop open, and another walks down the hall. Photo Credit: Vince Talotta / Toronto Star

Michael Vickers is a community activator, cultural leader and practicing artist focused on providing meaningful advocacy, support and growth for the arts sector at the local level and across Canada. He is currently the Senior Program Lead for Brampton Arts Organization and was previously Co-Director of Akin, having also held roles with the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto and Ottawa Art Gallery. Vickers holds an MA in Art History from the University of Toronto and an Honours BA in Visual Arts & Communications. His work has been exhibited locally and internationally, including presentations at Volta Basel, Mercer Union, Dutch Design Week, Art Toronto and Design TO and has been supported by the Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts.

“I was involved with every Akin studio from 2011 to 2021! A decade of different spaces.”

An image of Michael Vickers leading a gallery crawl event. He stands in a gallery with white walls and a concrete floor, art on the walls, facing  a crowd of about thirty people, who are standing or sitting, facing him in a circle and listening to him speak.

“There are so many special memories from my time with Akin- from walking into Akin Dufferin and meeting Oliver as I looked for a studio space in a new City to the excitement of new locations opening or securing opportunities for the folks we served. What has always stood out is the immense sense of community Akin can cultivate. In moments of doubt or difficulty (studio evictions, various worries) it was the encouragement of our collective group- a collaborative spirit that propelled us forward. No artist stands alone. Our organization grew from a small space with a few friends to hundreds of creatives and my time as Co-Director will always be one of the most meaningful and special eras of my career (and life as an artist). Akin is testament to the transformative power of the arts—a sanctuary where creativity thrives and people can be themselves in a safe, artistic way.”

Natalie Waddell

Former member at: Akin Dufferin, Akin King

Natalie Waddell will be a judge of a new CBC television series, Canadian Pottery Show! Find more of Natalie’s work on her website www.ClayGirl.ca and instagram @claygirlceramics

 

Natalie Waddell working on clay on a pottery wheel. Natalie is wearing a blue shirt, has dark brown hair pulled into a bun with blonde highlights. Behind her, a shelf holds a vast amount of art supplies.

 

“I create unique and precious ceramic objects handcrafted to enhance your life and environment. With emphasis on functional forms I love to know the pieces I make can be used in regular day to day life. Each item I make is designed and decorated to connect function and art. I believe using handmade objects in our daily lives brings a sense of connection, grounding and appreciation for work, art and nature.” 

 

Natalie Waddell’s studio, with her sign “Clay Girl” hanging on a wall above a work table. Shelves mounted to the brick wall and work table hold stacks of pottery.

 

“The impact of practicing my art and growing creatively within the Akin spaces was transformative to my ceramic career. Forming connections and relationships with artists across multiple mediums is some of my best take away from that time.”

Shanna Van Maurik

Former member at: Akin Dupont 

Shanna Van Murik continues to create breathtaking work, with an ever growing online following, Find more of Shanna’s work on her website shannavanmaurik.com and instagram @nogobed 

 

Shanna Van Maurik stands inside her studio at Akin Dupont. Shanna has shoulder length pink hair, and wears a colorful, tie dye shirt and black boots. Colorful portraits are mounted against white walls. A large window in the foreground is surrounded by bright green plants, and a pink work table holds notebooks. Photo Credit: Spencer Robertson

“Looking back, the little moments at Akin DuPont mean the most to me, talking with friends made there and building a community. There was a great sense of openness and sharing among members that created a great energy. Not to mention, the sunsets in my space were really special!”

 

An image of Shanna Van Maurik’s studio at Akin Dupont. A yellow-green velvet chair sits against a white wall, behind which stands a tall shelf filled with art supplies. Beside the shelf is a large window showing a vibrant sunset of pinks and purples.

 

A huge thank you to these talented artists for their participation, we’re so proud of them, and we can’t wait to see what they’ll do next!

 

Want to celebrate in-person?

Akin will be hosting a 15th Anniversary drop-in celebration at Akin’s Remote Gallery on December 5 from 4-8pm for an evening filled with Akin memorabilia and nostalgia. 

 
 

You can help Akin Projects continue to support arts in Toronto for another fifteen years! You can donate to Akin Projects here. Your contributions directly impact artists in ways that are meaningful to arts and culture in our city, as well as to the communities in which we work. We can’t thank you enough for your support.

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts
#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council

Akin Member Highlight: Suzanne Dennis and Andrea Bailey

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An image of Andrea Bailey’s artwork, Collage #2, a colourful collage of layered prints in blues, reds, whites and pinks, with a painting of a blue haired figure over top

 

We’re back with another highlight of some of Akin’s long-term members.

Andrea Bailey has been an Akin studio member since 2012, and Suzanne Dennis since 2014. We’re so proud to have provided a creative home for these fantastic artists, so, to celebrate Akin’s 15th Anniversary, we reached out to them to learn more about their work and their Akin journey.

Suzanne Dennis

Suzanne Dennis is a Toronto artist who paints abstract and nonobjective images on canvas and paper using acrylic paint and mediums.

The inspiration for much of her work has come from details found in nature and man made objects. A favourite source is ancient and modern stone surfaces and architecture. These provide not only interesting compositions, textures and colours but are silent elements present in the places where we live our lives, and where history is made.

Suzanne records images in photos and sketches using them as a roadmap to create the compositions and then lets her intuition and joy of painting take over. Suzanne invites the viewer to enjoy the interpretation she presents and to share the story of its creation. Suzanne has been painting for 25 years and exhibits and sells her work in Toronto at shows, galleries, commercial venues and clubs.

You can find more of Suzanne’s work on her website, www.suzannedennis.ca or on her instagram, @Suzannedennis01 

Suzanne Dennis3: Suzanne Dennis stands in front of an easel in her studio. On the easel, and on the wall behind her, are abstract paintings of green, blue and red. Suzanne is holding up a piece of cloth covered in multicoloured paint, she’s holding it up to her face, her eyes peeking over it.

What brought you to Akin?

I moved to a condo leaving a home where I had a basement studio space. With nowhere to paint I started the process of looking for studio space in Toronto. I was at the Apple store, learning how to organise photos, and the instructor noticed all the images of my work.

He asked me where I painted and I said I had no space any longer. It was really my lucky day. He was a member of the Akin Collective.

He gave me the contact information for Oliver Pauk. I called Oliver and met him that week and secured studio space on Wade Avenue. I always consider this one of the luckiest things that has happened in my art career!

Can you give us a timeline of your Akin Journey? Where did it start? Which studios have you been a member at?

I met Oliver in September of 2014 and secured my first studio space on the ground floor at Wade Avenue. A number of years later the ground floor studios were “Reno-evicted” by the landlord. Jen Pilles quickly secured a space for me at the Dupont Studios (room 204).

The studio turned out to be too small and after a few months I moved within the same room to a larger space which I have enjoyed for a few years. Due to some family personal issues I was unable to get to my studio very often in the last year so I have moved again to a smaller space by the window. And I absolutely love it, and think it is the perfect spot for me. A total of four moves in 10 years! 

Do you have any special memories associated with your time at Akin?

A favourite memory is my participation in “The Art of Healing” arranged by the Akin Collective in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities. I participated in 2015 and again in 2016. I was invited by Michael Vickers to participate as one of the 23 artists to craft a piece of art with a child staying at the House. The work produced with the children was exhibited and auctioned to raise funds and the joy it brought the kids and the artists, it’s one of my favourite memories.

Suzanne Dennis poses with two kids during Akin’s Art of Healing event in collaboration with Ronald McDonald House. The child to the right of Suzanne wears a red baseball cap, a striped shirt, and wears a nasogastric tube. The child on the left wears a blue shirt and a green lanyard. They stand beside a bright red abstract painting, accented with forest greens. The painting sits on an easel. 

What was your favourite Akin studio to work out of, and why?

My favourite studio was the first one on the ground floor at Wade Avenue. The space there was very large and open. The ceiling was high and I was surrounded by artists of all kinds, costume designers, book illustrators, jewellery makers, and I felt a sense of real community and creativity. I would see Oliver, Michael and Jen frequently and always enjoyed the interaction. 

Do you have a routine for art making at the studio? Any special rituals to get your creativity flowing?

I’d like to take a large piece of paper and scribble all over it and take out a brush and make marks just to get myself loose.


You've been creating art for a long time! What do you think is the key to keeping the practice going, long term? 

Not everyone has the opportunity to keep creating art throughout their life, whether that is because of the expenses associated with it, or the time that it deserves. For me, it always sits in my mind as a destination I’ve got to make my way to. It is my source of pure joy, and I won’t sacrifice that.

Andrea Bailey

Andrea is a self taught abstract artist working in acrylic and ink, and most recently, collage. She is known for her use of colour; bold and confident, but also subtle and complex. Born with challenges which never defined her, she works from a home studio and the Akin Logan studio.

You can find more of Andrea Bailey’s work at her website, www.yummyarty.com and on her instagram @yummyartyab

 

Andrea Bailey stands inside of her Akin River Studio. The white walls have prints of her world arranged in a pattern. There’s a black foldout chair against the wall and a grey table with a painting in progress on it, alongside large containers of paint brushes.

 

What Brought you to Akin, originally? 

A desire to be in a creative space with other creative people and to learn and develop along with them.


Can you give us a timeline of your Akin Journey? Where did it start? Which studios have you been a member at?

I joined in 2012. I have had studio space at Lansdowne (one upstairs and one downstairs), River Street and now at Logan Avenue.

 

Andrea Bailey painting inside her Akin Logan Studio. She is wearing a purple shirt, black pants and winter boots. She’s painting an abstract painting filled with lines which lays on a table.  Another painting sits beside it. Behind her is a shelf filled with paint tubes.

 

Do you have any special memories associated from your time at Akin?

I always thought Oliver was the greatest. At an early art sale from the Landsdowne main floor studio, I gave Oliver one of my favourite paintings. He gave me a photograph of my plastic paint table covering that turned a mess into an abstract work of art. It is framed in my home to this day

What was your favorite Akin studio to work out of?

Lansdowne, main floor

 

An image of artist Andrea Bailey in her Akin Lansdowne studio, Andrea stands in front of a white wall lines with canvases, she’s wearing black pants and a grey jacket, she has brown, shoulder length hair. In the foreground is a large abstract painting, of circles, lines and dots in reds, purples, greens, blues and pinks.

 

Do you have a routine for art making at the studio? Any special rituals to get your creativity flowing?

It is just something I have to do every day.

You've been creating art for a long time! What do you think is the key to keeping the practice going, long term? 

Don't be afraid to try new things and remember that not everything will work.

Thanks to Suzanne and Andrea for your participation, and for your beautiful work! We’re so thankful to have you both as such strong, vital members of our community.  As we continue to celebrate our 15th Anniversary, later this month  we’ll be highlighting some of Akin’s former members: where are they now? So stay tuned! 

 

Want to celebrate in-person?

Akin will be hosting a 15th Anniversary drop-in celebration at Akin’s Remote Gallery on December 5 from 4-8pm for an evening filled with Akin memorabilia and nostalgia. 

 
 

You can help Akin Projects continue to support arts in Toronto for another fifteen years! You can donate to Akin Projects here. Your contributions directly impact artists in ways that are meaningful to arts and culture in our city, as well as to the communities in which we work. We can’t thank you enough for your support.

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts
#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council

Akin Member Highlight: Liliana Botero Rey

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Liliana working in her studio at Akin St Clair. She is wearing headphones, glasses, and an apron over her blue shirt. Her dog, a miniature schnauzer, sits on her lap and leans her head on an open drawer.

 

What is Akin without our fantastic artists? There’s no other way we’d rather celebrate our 15th anniversary than by showing off our amazing members.

We’ve reached out to some of our longest-serving members  to hear their Akin stories, starting with Liliana Botero Rey who has been an Akin member as well as a member of the Akin Team for ten years. 

Since 2013, Liliana has been a big part of our studios. She’s made a lasting impact on our community, and has created some beautiful work during her time at Akin!

Liliana Botero Rey

Liliana Botero is a glass artist who studied and trained in Colombia, the United States and Canada, to specialise in different techniques to expand her knowledge in glass handling such as: stained glass, fused glass, mosaic, lampwork jewellery, and and more techniques. At the same time she studied Graphic Design. She owned and operated a glass art studio in Bogota-Colombia for 12 years before she moved to Canada in 2011 where she opened a glass studio in 2013.

Liliana has been enjoying working with glass since she was a student when she wished to become a professional glass artist and work with it all her life. Glass is her passion!

She feels satisfaction when she creates, but more when the people are attracted to the pieces she makes and pays to keep them. She loves living the life of an artist,  working with her hands, creating through inspiration.  

You can find more of Lili’s work on Etsy or on her instagram, @destellosglassart and keep reading below for our interview with Liliana to learn more about her long history with Akin and her creative work.

What brought you to Akin?

At the end of 2013, almost newly arrived in Canada, I came across this fabulous idea: Akin Collective, an affordable shared and dedicated spaces, as the home of my small business. After tirelessly searching in Toronto, for where I could land my ideas as a glass artist.

Can you give us a timeline of your Akin Journey? Where did it start? Which studios have you been a member at?

My first studio in 2013 was super small. I asked for the space they offered me to be partitioned because it was out of my budget. This was in the Lansdowne location, where I shared beautiful moments and made my first friends in this beautiful country, Canada. One of the coolest things is the exchange of ideas and techniques that you can share and at the same time receive from my studio mates.

Currently, the studio where I work is Akin St.Clair, my space is larger and more comfortable, "My Happy Place" where I work with all the equipment and tools that I have acquired over these 10 years, expanding the techniques with which I work with Destellos-Glass Art, my business.

Do you have any special memories associated with your time at Akin?

The programs and events that I have participated in with Akin have helped to promote and give recognition to my brand and at the same time promote the products that I make in this wonderful place.

Also, I can bring my furry baby Lara every day, she is my partner in crime. 

 

Liliana is sitting in her studio at Akin St Clair. She is wearing a blue baseball cap, an apron, and her dog, a miniature schnauzer, is sitting on her  lap. The walls of her studio are lined with work tables filled with a wide array of tools, beads, lighting equipment, and brushes. A framed photo of another schnauzer is mounted on the wall. A dream catcher is hanging from the ceiling.

 

A couple of years ago, my husband thought about leaving our condo and moving into a house. Where I would get "The whole basement" for my studio. The truth is, I'm not interested in staying isolated at home, I change having my workplace surrounded by the artistic environment, sharing with other artists and being able to expand my network? No way!!

What was your favorite Akin studio to work out of, and why?

I miss Lansdowne studios, it was a cozy and warm place with a lot of friends I could connect with during my first years with Akin, from there I made my first friends in Canada.

I like my current studio at St. Clair West. It is more comfortable. From here I also expanded my business.

An image of Liliana’s former studio in 2014. A table with a white tablecloth holds an elaborate display of her colourful glass work: picture frames, coasters, sculptures, jewellery. Necklaces and earrings are mounted to the wall in frames. In the corner is a desk with a rolling chair. 

Do you have a routine for art making at the studio? Any special rituals to get your creativity flowing?

The earlier, the better. For me, it is so important to take advantage of the momentum that your body lets you bring. The best time is from morning till afternoon, sometimes late at night too, depending on the inspiration and/or the orders you can extend the work hours. Sometimes 8, 10, 12 or when I get crazy (in a good way) 14 work hours.


You've been creating art for a long time! What do you think is the key to keeping the practice going, long term? 

Consistency and belief in what you make with love. People get attracted by them. It is all the emotions and energy you input into your work that makes the pieces so special and people feel this and pay for it.

 

A picture of Liliana Botero, Oliver Pauk, and Michael Vickers at Akin’s 10th Anniversary party in 2018. Behind them are large golden balloons which spell “Akin”. Oliver and Michael are wearing button up shirts and shorts, Liliana wears a pink dress with a jean jacket.

 

A huge thank you to Liliana for taking the time for this interview. We also thank you for your hard work in the studios every single week for the last 10 years keeping our spaces beautiful and safe for our members - and thank you for being a part of this community for ten years! We will be highlighting more Akin members this month as we continue to celebrate our 15 year anniversary!  

Stay tuned throughout the month of November as we celebrate our anniversary on the Akin blog with more member highlights!  

Want to celebrate in-person?

Akin will be hosting a 15th Anniversary drop-in celebration at Akin’s Remote Gallery on December 5 from 4-8pm for an evening filled with Akin memorabilia and nostalgia. 

 
 

You can help Akin Projects continue to support arts in Toronto for another fifteen years! You can donate to Akin Projects here. Your contributions directly impact artists in ways that are meaningful to arts and culture in our city, as well as to the communities in which we work. We can’t thank you enough for your support.

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts
#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council

Akin’s 2023 Career Launcher Winners Announced!

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Akin is excited to announce Damon Couto-Hill and Veerta Kumar as our OCADU Career Launcher award recipients for 2023-24. We’re excited to welcome them into the community! 

These talented graduating OCAD students will be awarded $2,000 in credits to go towards a studio space at one of Akin’s studio locations for 2023-2024. In addition to the $2,000 studio credit, each recipient will receive $450 exhibition credit for use at Akin’s Remote Gallery. 

Image Description: Damon Couto-Hill looks directly to the camera in this close up shot of his face and shoulders. Damon has short brown hair, and brown eyes. Damon is wearing a red, blue, white and black striped collared shirt. Behind Damon is a room with white walls, out of focus. 

Damon Couto-Hill is a Portuguese/Mohawk man and an interdisciplinary visual artist. He is a Six Nations of the Grand River member who grew up in Scarborough and currently lives and works in Toronto, Canada. He works with digital collages to entangle his body with images of Canada, nature, the Western art canon, and the internet to visualize the dysfunctions of Western collective consciousness through an intuitive, dream-like lens. He then translates the digital collage into physical form as fragmented wood panels painted in acrylic and oil, making the image again upon the scattered shards of a slanted mosaic. 

Instagram: @damond.liver

Image Description: Veerta Kumar is smiling beside a large artwork. Veerta has curly black hair and wears a black, shirt with an asymmetrical neckline. The artwork, to Veerta’s left, are bright, colourful circles mounted on a black background. Each circle contains  are backlit, translucent photographs . The circles contain photographs

Veerta Kumar was born in India in 1999 and lives and works in Toronto. She considers the flux, chaos, and fragments of our perceptions to decolonize modes of re-presentation and re-creation. In the past year, she observed the interaction of paint and light and engaged in various modes of making and materials, including ornamentation, textiles, found materials, family album photos, personal photography,  and digital manipulation.

Kumar completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting in 2023 from OCAD University. She received the John Madott Fine Art Award for her recent body of work Tedhi Nazar exhibited at Grad Ex 108.

Website:  www.veertakumar.ca
Instagram: @_veertakumar

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts

#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council